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civic engagement

And I’m 31 years old. I was very hesitant to put this out on the net. Because I am embarrassed. It seems counter to many of the things I stand for. I like to think I am “aware” of various social issues in my city and in the world. I care about issues affecting marginalized communities, I try to do as much community service and volunteer work as I can be plugged into. I’ve liked many a Facebook post (HA!) about all of the -isms (race, sex, homophobia, ability,). I popped champagne when marriage equality became law. I have a diverse set of friends and acquaintances. I’m in a book club where we talk about race! I am a black woman; I bring a diverse perspective by just living and breathing. I love Black History Month! My day job involves education policy work.

My greatest passion in life is to work to make sure that every child, regardless of their zip code, has the opportunity to realize the greatest vision for themselves. I feel individuals, communities, and private sector, non-profit, and government organizations have a stake in that same vision. I am acutely aware that my life would have turned out very differently without a whole bunch of investment from many people and systems. I will yell and scream and cry about inequity in our country….yadda…yadda…yadda…..blah, blah, blah. I am a “good” citizen……….aren’t I? (I’m aware that the notion of parsing citizenship up into binary notions of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ is inherently problematic and perhaps lazy. I’m primarily speaking of my perception and expectation of MYSELF; ultimately everyone of course has to make a subjective value judgement that jives the way s/he wants to live in this regard).

But I have NEVER voted in a local election in my life, and I NEVER thought it was that big of deal. And then, like so many other people, the 2016 presidential election slapped the ego right out of my mouth. Of course I voted last fall, but like so many others it finally dawned on me that this one action, taken once every four years was not enough. So I work in public service, donate miniscule amounts of money to various organizations, tutor some kids semi-regularly and I talk about racism and sexism non-stop….AND?!

To top it all off I’m that person who, upon hearing that someone else is not going to vote in a presidential election, starts smugly ranting about how the ancestors fought, bled, and died for the enfranchisement of black people (ugh…I am seriously so embarrassed right now). With that, I had someone deluded myself into thinking I was an informed, engaged citizen.

Could I tell you what bills are on my state congressional floor?

Could I tell you who my state and city representatives were?

Could I tell you the dates of local elections?

Heck No. I barely remember when trash pick-up in my city is. And for me, that is a SHAME! (just call me Black Cersei…..or Hotep Sistah). Because this is not the type of citizen I want to be. Everyone’s civic engagement will (and should) look different, but the very idea that we can have a robust, functioning democracy without putting in work after we exit the voting booth ( if some of us even do that more than every four years; see post title) is naive at best and negligent as worst.

It falls to each of us to be those anxious, jealous guardians of our democracy; to embrace the joyous task we’ve been given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours. Because for all our outward differences, we all share the same proud title: Citizen.

Ultimately, that’s what our democracy demands. It needs you. Not just when there’s an election, not just when your own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime.-President Barack Obama, January 2017

For the last few months, I have been on a mission to learn how to be a citizen (imagine that!) and to better engage in democracy. I’ve had to fight my shame and deep discomfort every step of the way. I sought to answer:

What does that look like?

What are my entry points?

What is the local and state political infrastructure of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania ( my relatively new city and state)?

What the heck is organizing? President Obama told me to go organize but I don’t even know what it is, who does it, when I should do it! HEEEEEEELLLLLPPPPPP!!!!

So I decided a good starting point for me was to just show up. I’ve attended as many organizer trainings, issue forums, activist group meetings, non-profit information sessions, and primers for running for office as I’ve been able to jam into my schedule. On a given week I’ve had anywhere from 3-5 post work and weekend events, with the primary goal of trying to learn and absorb as much information as possible. Even with all that, I’m nowhere close to answering these questions, but I feel like there are some key lessons that I’ve learned to date.

I’m not ready to give up on systems….YET…This may be controversial but I still believe that as bureaucratic, inequitable, and sometimes corrupt our social, economic, and political structures are, there is still change to be had. There are many that feel that the various institutions that run our country (and perpetuate all is the -isms) are so inherently oppressive that working within the system is a massive waste of time. I can’t blame them, sometimes I think this was as well. But I also know that they won’t work at all unless we participate and stay informed. I can’t complain to my city councilman about neighborhood trash, if I don’t even know when city trash pick-up even happens.

If you stay away from a swamp, it will stay swampy. There are those in history that have bucked the system and those (many of whom we revere) that have still chosen to participation in some way, in service of incremental change. Some of this work hasn’t been flashy, some would say it hasn’t been big enough, that it requires too much capitulation to the ‘powers that be’, meanwhile people continue to suffer. I believe we need both types of people: people who rage against all of the oppressive, white-centered systems that exist (often at a greater sacrifice than many of us are willing to participate in), and people who embrace change that takes place gradually, over time. There has to be room for everyone, or else we lose too many.

Politics isn’t necessarily a dirty wordI am a lifelong skeptic of politics. I never saw myself having any part of it. I can barely tolerate navigating workplace drama. For me, community level engagement needed to be at a direct service level. I’ve had this inherent belief that any sort of politics is antithetical to authenticity. Politics was for self-centered, power hungry people. My dominated thoughts where:

Why would I willingly and actively participate in a political system that has historically marginalized people that look like me?

Why would I willingly and actively participate in a political system that continues to marginalized ( Voting Rights Act anyone?) people that look like me?

The system is rigged, so my participation doesn’t matter

Government is run by big business anyway – so what is my voice going to do?

I don’t have the kind of money that allows elected officials, at any level, to listen to me.

But I’m tired guys. I’m tired of feeling self- defeated about our government. I tired of talking and complaining and judging, and not ACTING.

I’m not too oldY’all, I’d somehow convinced myself that at 30+, I was too old to get engaged in government (someone give me a face palm here puh-lease!). I really thought that engaging with representatives was for young 20 something political superstars who work on the Hill. Well let me just say, that is naive. It’s never too late. If you don’t want to go march on the streets or organize, there’s still plenty of opportunity to give your representatives an earful every chance you can get. I’ve been so fearful of doing so many things in my life, and have missed out on amazing opportunities as a result. If I have to be the old lady in the room, then so be it.
Civic engagement and voting are two different things.
It can be straightforward (for some) to walk into a voting booth every four years (or two years or every six months) and vote. But to be an engaged citizen, damn, that takes TIME. You literally have to schedule citizenship into your calendar, particularly for things such as:

Going to elected candidate forums, town halls, and other meetings

Meeting with like-minded folks to organize around issues you collectively care about

Getting to know, calling and writing your reps

Learning about civic issues (listening to podcasts while cleaning or cooking makes this much easier!)

Taking part in public service

Raising money for a cause you care about

Getting people registered and out to vote.

Going to civic association meetings

(Re) reading foundational American documents

…..and so much more!

WOKENESS is not a competition….As a recovering serial perpetrator of the wokeness olympics……I have come to see the light and also see that you better back your judgement up with sustained action of your own. Just like oppression olympics, going around yelling at people about how woke they are or are not may not always be the best strategy. BUT GEEZ (I said I was recovering not cured, HA!), there has to be a minimum threshold! As I’ve learned for myself, apathy can sometimes be more dangerous than ignorance. We have to be able to garner some base level of compassion for people who continue to suffer from the effects of multi-generational poverty and oppression. When we can’t see the world outside of our bubbles, when we don’t care about policies that do not affect us directly, we all lose. I know we are all trying to do what we can with what we know; none of us are perfect. However, the easiest way to get under my skin is to hit me with the ‘this doesn’t affect me so I don’t care’. OR ‘I built my life by myself’ Maybe someone can break this down for me, but the concept doesn’t make sense to me. I just don’t get it.

I’ll get soapboxy for a few sentences and say: those of us who think our various forms of privilege and ‘self-determination’ will protect us, PLEASE resist this notion. The very fact that you walk down the street unharmed in this country is the result of someone else’s time, blood, sweat, and tears, particularly if you are a member of a historically marginalized group. Please try to be that someone for someone else, in any way that you can – small or large. Stand up for someone/something outside of your immediate circle. AND please let’s all vote as much as we can. If voting wasn’t important, there wouldn’t be such a concerted effort to disenfranchise so many people.

Ok off the soap box!

This past winter, I marched in the Women’s March, but the most important march I will be making this Spring will be to the polls. On Philadelphia’s primary election day (May 16), I will be casting my very first vote in a local election. I’ll have the chance to choose my party’s candidates for:

District Attorney

City Controller

Nine seats on Philadelphia County’s Court of Common Pleas

Two seats on the Philadelphia Municipal Court

Election officials (aka poll workers)

One seat on PA’s Supreme Court

Four seats on PA’s Superior Court

Two seats on PA’s Commonwealth Court

Whew! But then it won’t stop there- I’m gonna have to continually engage with and talk to these people so they understand that my vote wasn’t a blank mandate. They will be hearing from me!

What about you? Have you always been politically engaged? Has the past election prompted you to re-rethink your feelings about voting and politics?

You guys, April is National Volunteer Month! This is particularly exciting as it comes on the heels of MLK day, Black History Month and Women’s History Month. The beginning of each year is jammed packed with opportunities to think about how to get involved in, continue to, or amp up our community service work. This of course should never stop with one month or even a series of months, but it always wonderful to highlight all of the occasions we have to serve.

Dating back to the Nixon Presidency, there have been many executive orders and proclamations centered on honoring our nation’s commitment to service and each other. Last year, President Obama declared April 10 through April 16, 2016 as National Volunteer week. This year, volunteer week will fall on April 23-29, 2017. Overall, we typically celebrate volunteer service the whole month of April.

I’ve always liked engaging in volunteerism because so much of my early life was steered in a positive way by people who invested their time and energy in me in the most self-less of ways. From my after school program counselors, to private sector companies that provided money to education focused non-profits that I was able to participation in, I really do consider myself a product of investment in public education. My mom immigrated to the United States from Ghana in the 1970s; I’m forever grateful that she was able to get a visa and birth and raise her children here. Suffice it to say that my life would likely look totally different if she didn’t make that journey. As I was growing up, her favorite mantra to recite was “America is an opportunity country”. She literally said this bi-weekly (to my chagrin at the time). Our country has so much work to do in making that opportunity equitable for everyone, but my love for all that is good about this nation is deeply rooted in those words.

So many of us already give back in various ways that are aligned with our individual values and spirit. This presents another opportunity to kick it up a notch! Here are a few ways to celebrate all that is wonderful about service and giving, particularly in these very interesting times we live in.

Thank a Volunteer
Take the time to appreciate the many people in your life who engage in various levels of service activities. Of course, the ultimate reward comes through serving the end user, but it’s extra special to be recognized and appreciated by folks you would least expect it from. So if you know a friend/colleague/family member that is involved with a cool organization, give them a public or private shout out.

Volunteer!
Many volunteers will tell you it is such a rewarding experience. You don’t have to have a ton of time. If you have any special talent or skill that may benefit a charity or organization, please use it. Offer your services or ask how you can be of help. Research and contact an organization directly, or search websites like Volunteer Match or Just Serve. Many cities have a government office dedicated to service; search your city website for local opportunities.

Donate Money
Relatively straightforward and many of us already do this. There is certainly no shortage of organizations looking for money these days. While it’s great to donate to national organizations, but remember that local non-profits especially need support. The biggies, such as Planned Parenthood and the ACLU are awesome, but your community refugee settlement organization, tutoring program, or clinic could also use some of that cash-money.

Tell Someone about a Cool Organization
If you are involved with organizations that you are passionate about, help bring awareness to them and the issue they are tackling. Tag them on social media. Caption a recent accomplishment. It may seem antithetical or ironic, but throw humility out of the window for a second and talk about what you do! You never know who may be reading or listening.

Do what you can (and pace yourself)
There is no rule book that guides volunteerism. Service comes in all forms. Many of us are often serving others without even consciously knowing it. Whether you are giving someone a genuine smile and hello, bringing food for after church service, or helping your young family member with homework, it all counts. Every act, no matter how big or small, routine or sporadic deserves our deepest gratitude. If you ever get stuck or overwhelmed about what to engage in, think about the following questions:

What are the issues that I care about?

What do I bring to the table that’s unique to my passion and/or skill set?

Who do I know that is passionate about, or already involved in those issues?

To that end, THANK YOU to all the amazing, passionate, equity-focused people I’ve had the great pleasure of engaging with throughout my life. I am inspired and humbled by each and every one of you! You Slay!

Do you currently engage in volunteerism? What issues are you most passionate about?

Similar to fitness lane, it’s been pretty quiet in civic lane on the blog; that wonderful vacation I took put a monkey wrench in many things (yep, insert side-eye emoji). I continue to attend as many events as I can, and I am learning a ton in this quest to literally teach myself how to be an engaged citizen.

To that end, I recently attended a “Civics Cafe” event hosted by Young Involved Philadelphia, a networking organization that aims to increase civic engagement to empower and connect young people in Philadelphia. Last month’s cafe event centered around getting your legislators’ attention. The panel features two members of Philly United for Progress (a grassroots advocacy group), and Pennsylvania House Representative Jordan Harris. They shared some key strategies that can help anyone get to know and most importantly, ENGAGE, with their representatives.

Sign up for their newsletterEvery elected official has some sort of listserv that they use to communicate with their constituents (or whomever else signs up). These communications typically contain an overview of the key issue(s) the representative (“rep”) is advocating for, upcoming town halls, and any positive press they have recently received. They will almost always also include an ask for money. Sign up to keep your finger on the pulse.

Request a Meeting
Most reps, especially at the city and state level are more than happy to meet with their constituents. You can call their local office and request a meeting to discuss issues that are important to you. Keep in mind: depending on the number of constituents the politician represents, it may take awhile to get on their calendar.

This is particularly important: if your rep has taken a position that you disagree with, DO NOT go in and start screaming about how horrible s/he is. Remember that your reps and their staff are people too. Even if you think they support vile policy, are out to destroy the very face of the earth, or are bottom feeding scum, remember that they are still human beings. Their stature does not exempt them from reacting as any human would, whether it’s through anger or apathy. Respectfully ask them to explain why they did/will vote they way they did/will, then respectfully articulate your position.

Before the repeal of the Affordable Care Act failed in the U.S. House, I called my House Rep. to discuss his position on the law. I was giddy when someone picked up (after being greeted by answering machines for many weeks), and geared up to give that person an ear full. I had my finger in the air and everything. Then I realized it was some young staffer,who was probably was just going to relay a summary of all calls received, at an end of day staff meeting. So do not get your attitude and do not give them a petty reason to write you off.

Keep Your Pulse on Upcoming BillsGo onto your state/city legislature website to see what bills are coming up and the time table they will be voted on. If your reps are gearing up to vote on an issue that you care about, call them and let your opinion be known.

Follow them on social mediaNuff said. Find out what are they doing and what they are talking about. What are they sharing? What issues are they bringing awareness too? Who do they follow?

Vote in LOCALElectionsEvery six months there is an election in Philly. There is likely always something going on in your city/state too. You have to make the time to be informed, otherwise you concede your citizen power to someone else. The less you know, the more powerful other interest groups are.

Join your local civic association (or other residential community organization)These are volunteer run, neighborhood based organizations that come together to spur collective action on community affairs. Civic associations are concerned with everything that affects the community – schools, roads, recreation, zoning, trash collection, and perhaps most importantly, PARKING. State and local elected officials will often present at an association meeting, detailing their current legislative agenda. It’s a great place to understand the issues that impact your particular neighborhood, and also ask your rep some questions.

Bonus Takeaways

Do not feel intimidated. Despite what some of them think, your reps work for YOU. Money is powerful, but so is collective voice and action. There are regular people who are engaging every day; dip your feet in the pool for a little and then just jump in! After a while it gets way easier to make that call.

The vast majority of our reps are frothing at the mouth to be re-elected; use that to your advantage. On the local level, a few hundred votes can swing a local election.

If a candidate is non-responsive when they are running for office, you better believe that you won’t hear a peep from them once they are elected. So pay attention to who is running for every type of office there is – City Controller, Judges, District Attorney, State Representatives. If we don’t pay attention, we don’t get to later say we didn’t know what was going on.

Build coalitions with people of different political perspectives, find common ground, and go advocate together!

Remember (said in my best Mufasa voice): Being involved in politics as a citizen is hard, but it’s also our responsibility. It takes so much more than voting every four years (a huge lesson that I’ve had to learn). So go and get in their behinds (nicely of course)!

Here’s a quick round-up of some civic oriented things that came up this week.

TuesdayJanuary Book Club. The group read Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance. For various reasons, I wasn’t able to read it, but I went to enjoy the yummy book club snacks and wine. I also listened to everyone’s reflections about the book and how it was particularly relevant to the current state of politics. In addition to discussing the book, our fearless book club leader asked us to share some actions we each are engaging in to stay civically engaged. Answers included:

Leveraging one’s work to develop specific youth based policy to present to Congress

Making a deliberate effort to talk about equity in work spaces

Making a deliberate effort to discuss politics and equity with family members and friends who may have different viewpoints

Creating a publically shared calendar of all of the civic and service related events happening in the city. This was super helpful to me as I was having trouble of keeping track of the sheer amounts of events that have popped up over the last two to three months.

Wednesday:Training on how to get involved in local politics in Philadelphia.Briefly stopped by a presentation on how gerrymandering works.

WeekendCommunity Organizing TrainingPlanning Meeting for a local african-American community affinity group.Public protest to show support for our muslim and refugee communities.

All week: tried to get through to all my elected representatives (state level and congress). To be honest, this doesn’t come naturally to me. I often get stressed out by having to call multiple numbers, getting busy signals, going straight to voicemail, etc. I’d rather just go volunteer somewhere. Going forward, I may try emailing or just focusing on a particular level of government. My head starts spinning with all the calls that need to be made, and all the issues that I feel I need to call about. It’s definitely time to reassess and focus on my efforts here.

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Hi, I’m Estelle! Welcome to my little space, where I serve up a glimpse into my life in the city of Brotherly Love. Everyday, I try to create a better version of myself and a better world for others by: eating well, moving my body, working in service of educational equity, staying civically engaged. You can find me at ahappyserving@gmail.com.

Civic Engagement

"Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes."

"Civic engagement encompasses actions wherein individuals participate in activities of personal and public concern that are both individually life enriching and socially beneficial to
the community."

(Excerpts from Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, edited by Thomas Ehrlich, published by Oryx Press, 2000.)

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Disclaimer

I am not a physician, registered dietician, or other health professional. My blog is simply a documentation of my life. The views I express are mine alone, based on my own experiences, and should not be taken as medical advice.